Gulfport Man Accused of Child Porn, Molestation

Gulfport police said they know of two victims younger than 12 and there may be more.

GULFPORT – A Gulfport man has been accused of child pornography and molesting two children who are younger than 12 years of age, the Gulfport Police Department said.

Joseph Blaze Forgetta, 57, of Gulfport is charged with two counts each of sexual battery of a child younger than 12 and production of child pornography, and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12. Gulfport police said more charges might be pending.

Forgetta was arrested and charged Saturday (Dec. 30) night after an investigation that began earlier in the day when the mother of one of the children told police her daughter, who is younger than 12, told her that Forgetta had committed a sex act with her the previous evening. That child and two other children were staying the night together at the home of a family member who is involved in a relationship with Forgetta.

Subsequent investigation revealed at least one other child, also younger than 12, with whom Forgetta had committed sex acts with on two previous occasions during the past year,including taking photos and video during the incidents, police said.

Police said they have reason to believe there may be additional victims, particularly among those who may live near Forgetta in the area of 52nd Street and 29th Avenue S. Anyone with any information or questions is asked to contact Gulfport police Det. Jennifer Crowson at (727) 893-1043.